Monday, March 3, 2008

Beauty for ashes.....

Well, some of you might be wondering why I have not posted a lot in the last few weeks. It has been a really hard few weeks. But, even in the midst of trials...I continue to feel the Lord revealing His love and mercy to us over and over again. Last night, Chris and I had a few exciting things in the mail. We had an envelope from Shaohannah's Hope (Steven and Mary Beth Chapman's ministry to help families that are adopting). WE GOT A GRANT!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!! We have had the honor of being a part of the Shaohannah's Hope banquets over the last few years. It is literally our favorite night of the year. We have gotten to celebrate with families as we watch their adoption stories unfold. Last year, we had no idea we were going to be one of those families. Thank you Lord.

The next envelope we almost threw away thinking it was junk mail. It was Eliana's DNA Results....AND THE PICTURE OF HER WITH HER BIOLOGICAL MOM!!!! I just stared at it. Chris just stared. Then, again we felt so compelled to pray for this woman. We will pray for her the rest of our lives. She looked so sad...I can't imagine the pain. But, at the same time....I felt a huge peace that Eliana has been given to us by God to be our daughter!!! I love her. Thank you Cristina for giving birth to the most beautiful creation. Thank you for having the strength to give her up. Thank you for giving the gift of life. I am praying for you sweet Cristina. We will tell Eliana all about you.....and how strong you must be!

I love you all,
Lindsey

P.S. Please pray for us.....pray for strength and health. We are heading to Guat 3 weeks from tomorrow!!!! :-)

22 comments:

The Life and Happenings of Raychel Raye said...

Yay!!! Thats so exciting! You guys are going to be great. I can't wait to see "sweet girl" and for her to hear the story of how much prayer she has been bathed in. I will continue to pray!

~Raychel~

veggiemom said...

Congrats on the grant!
Thinking of you all, Eliana, and her birth mother...
Kerri and Ruby

Bill and Melodie said...

Yay! We are hoping to get the smae things in the ail soon! Can't wait to see you in Guate!!!

The Heinrichs said...

Wow...I keep thinking about the day we get the dna and pic..but you are right we have so much to be thankful for, as these mothers are giving the best gift to their child (& us)..and I am sure you will share with Eliana how much love her mother had for her as well as how much she is still an important part of her family no matter how far away she may be!

Love,
Deanna

counting down...less than 18 days till we get to Guatemala!

obligato said...

yea Linds thats amazing! I am so happy for you! How great! How amazing it must have been to see that picture! KNOW that I am thinking about u ALOT!

Love U!

The Heinrichs said...

Hey Lindsay...our flight leaves at 12:25...so we will def. be at the airport at the same time...I will pray your flight is a little early and maybe our departure is delayed a little -- this might just work out! I would love to meet you guys!!! Are you staying at the Grand Tikal?

Love,
Deanna

Pineapple Princess said...

I am so excited that you get to visit again! I've been following your blog and praying for you all the time.

Lots of love,
Stacy

Reba said...

Congratulations on the grant! That is wonderful! I know it is a powerful thing to see that picture of the birthmom and your precious daughter...I remember staring at ours for a long time, watching her expression and trying to guess what she was thinking. It really hurts your heart to think about the pain they must feel. Wow! Your time to travel is quickly approaching! I know you are ready.

Steph said...

Seeing that picture is so bittersweet.

Congrats on the grant!! That is awesome!! Have an amazing trip. We are leaving on the 19th!!

Amanda said...

God you are so good!!! Thank you for being so faithful to this wonderful family!!!

David and Marianne said...

We felt the same way when we saw Sarah with her birthmom. It truly is comforting to know that their story was planned over a thousand years before now and it is for all His glory. We continue to pray for your family!

Stacie said...

CONGRATS ON THE GRANT! That is so great! Thank you Lord for this blessing for Eliana!

I remember seeing Allie with her birthmom. We could do nothing but stare as well. It is the weirdest feeling finally getting to put a face to the amazing woman who gave the miracle of life to our daughter. It's like you have so many feelings at once that it leaves you speechless.

We are praying for you guys and your upcoming trip to GT!
Stacie

emily said...

Awesome news on the grant!

Praying for you guys, missing you too. JC on March 1st talked about when something is going on in your life to make you anxious- that we should say "Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more!" I have been saying that alot these past few days:) Know you are trusting in Him as well. Hang in there.

Cheri said...

I wish I were headed to Guate in 3 weeks. You will have an awesome time. Hopefully our girls will be home very soon. Waiting is so hard but our girls are worth the wait! Cheri

demp5 said...

I am praying for you that the time will "fly by" until your trip. It may seem slow right now, but you guys really ARE making progress. Congrats on the grant!
Meghan

The gFamily said...

Congrats on the grant! God provides! Congrats on the DNA too! The picture is a treasure for your daughter! I had so many emotions surrounding the picture we received! That day has to be so difficult for the birth moms! We are forever grateful to them!

We continue to pray for your process and daughter and all emotions surrounding the process!
Gretchen

Jami said...

Oh I remember seeing that picture for the first time. Mixed emotions. Praise God for progress!

Congratulations on the grant too, that's a huge blessing!

Amanda said...

Lindsey, what date are you going to Guatemala?? How long are you guys staying? I better see you guys!! Crazy that we live an hour and 1/2 away from each other and the first time we see each other in months will be in Guatemala!! I'll have my car so when we all get together I can come to you! Are you staying in Antigua or the city?!?

A Team said...

Congrats on the grant!
That is amazing!

When are you coming to K-Town?

Rachel said...

We received Makan's DNA package on Christmas eve 2004. Typically that is the day we do the BIG family "stuff" for Christmas and then just John, the kids and I on Christmas day, sometimes my parents, but that year...all I could do was stare at that picture. Stare in wonder, in sadness, in love, in admiration, in pain...so many emotions in one picture. So glad you were blessed with this "birthpain" today.

The Wilkens Family said...

Congratulations! God is good! So glad to hear you are heading to Guate soon.

Melissa said...

I love that beauty for ashes passage from Isaiah! So true!